A key agenda item was the public hearing concerning the property on Foster Street. Kirk Fitzpatrick, representing the homeowners, presented a proposal for upgrading the septic system of the existing three-bedroom house. The current system was inadequate, featuring a small round tank and a non-compliant leaching system. Soil tests revealed a high water table, necessitating a more robust solution to meet health code requirements.

Fitzpatrick proposed installing a new 1,500-gallon two-compartment septic tank, feeding into a Presby and Varose septic system, designed to meet the necessary application rates. Board members expressed support for this upgrade, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fill within lot lines and improving the current septic system’s deficiencies. The board unanimously approved the proposal, providing a vital green light for the homeowners to proceed with their plans.

Following this, the board addressed broader public health concerns, including the review and potential restructuring of inspection fees. A presentation highlighted the need to align fees with town bylaws and state laws, considering data from 15 comparative towns. The board aimed to ensure fairness and adequate compensation for services, with a particular focus on the practicality of proposed reinspection fees. There was debate over the sufficiency of a $50 reinspection fee, with suggestions that a higher fee might better reflect the true cost of staffing and resources required.

The board also discussed the categorization of inspection fees, considering function halls and campgrounds. The current fee for campgrounds was deemed outdated, prompting a recommendation to increase it significantly. The discussion extended to inspection protocols for beaches, with clarity sought on how semi-public beaches should be classified within the fee structure.

In addition to fee restructuring, the meeting addressed administrative changes within the town’s framework. Concerns were raised over the reduction in administrative support for the board, with members expressing dissatisfaction at not being consulted before decisions impacting their budget and staffing were made. There was a call for transparency regarding efficiency metrics that justified these reductions and how responsibilities would be redistributed.

The board expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity on administrative roles, emphasizing the need for consistent support to fulfill their public health mission. A new nurse was announced to join the team, with plans for joint projects with the neighboring town of Acton, although the nurse would not be housed with the board due to space constraints.

Finally, the meeting addressed ongoing health concerns, including updates on COVID-19 and mosquito-borne viruses. The board agreed to minimize COVID-19 updates unless changes occurred. Testing for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus had commenced, with Littleton remaining at low risk, although a positive mosquito test for West Nile Virus in a nearby area was reported.